Infrastructure development and inclusive and sustainable growth took centre stage in the Greater Cochin Development Authority’s (GCDA) budget for 2023-24. The annual budget approved by GCDA governing council focused on development and revenue-generating projects and protecting and restoring Kochi’s history and natural resources.
The Periyar river restoration and development project, construction of 100 modern toilets in the city, Queen’s Bay project at Marine Drive, a naval history museum, and an advanced filmmaking centre in the city are among the prominent projects announced.
The proposal to convert the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium into a multi-purpose stadium has already been submitted to the state government. In addition, the works on the Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road will be completed this year, and GCDA complex renovation on Marine Drive will be carried out soon.
GCDA will also set up EV charging stations in major centres in the city, including Marine Drive and Kaloor Stadium Junction. As much as INR 25 lakh have been earmarked for this. In addition, Kochi’s historic Dhobi Khana would be renovated and protected under a special heritage conservation project of GCDA. The estimated cost of the project is INR 1 crore.
